Definition

1. Noun:
   • A spy who works for two mutually antagonistic countries or organizations: A person who engages in espionage while simultaneously pretending loyalty to two opposing sides, often providing information to each about the other.

Usage

• The term is used to describe a specific and complex role in espionage and intelligence. It implies deep deception, as the agent must convincingly maintain cover stories for two opposing handlers.
• It is a compound noun, typically used in contexts of international relations, spycraft, and thrillers.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The intelligence agency discovered that their trusted operative was actually a double agent feeding secrets to the enemy.
  • In the novel, the protagonist is a double agent who must constantly balance his allegiances to survive.

Advanced Usage

• "To be/act as a double agent": To perform the role of a spy for two opposing sides.
  • For years, he acted as a double agent, a fact known only to a handful of people at the highest levels of government.

Variants and Related Words

• Agent (n): A person who acts on behalf of another, especially in business or politics; in intelligence, a spy.
• Mole (n): A spy who works within an organization and passes secrets to an enemy over a long period. (A double agent could be a mole for one side while pretending to work for the other).
• Counterspy (n): A spy whose task is to detect and counteract enemy espionage. (A double agent's activities may involve counterspionage for one or both sides).

Synonyms

• Dual spy: A less common synonym with the same meaning.
• Penetration agent: A spy who infiltrates an organization; a double agent is a specific type of penetration agent.

Related Phrases

• "Turn" an agent: In intelligence jargon, to persuade an agent to switch loyalties and become a double agent.
  • The security service managed to turn the enemy spy, making him a valuable double agent.

Idioms

• "Playing a double game": Behaving deceptively by supporting two opposing sides. This idiom is related to the concept of a double agent but is used more broadly for any duplicitous behavior.
  • Politicians accused of playing a double game often lose public trust.

Noun

1. a spy who works for two mutually antagonistic countries